House Speaker Paul Ryan met with members of the VGM Government Relations team along with Mercy Health System executives and other state providers to discuss challenges faced by HME industry.
The meeting, held at the Mercy Health Mall in Janesville, Wis., attracted Wisconsin health providers such as Mercy Assisted Care Durable Medical Equipment; Agnesian Health; Home Health United; Home Care Medical; Home Care Pharmacy; Oxygen One Inc.; Knueppel Healthcare Services and VGM.
Representatives from each asked for Ryan’s support of a reimbursement rate freeze for the nationwide expansion of competitive bidding program, which is jeopardizing access to HME, particularly in rural areas.
“Access to oxygen, nebulizers, apnea monitors and other DME equipment is critical for patients who have been hospitalized or suffer from serious illness,” said Denise Schrader, vice president of care continuum for MercyRockford Health System. “Mr. Ryan quickly recognized the barriers and broad negative impact the competitive bidding current process has on care and health of patients and the entire health care delivery system causing delayed discharges and avoidable readmissions.”
“Speaker Ryan is very much aware of issues that medical equipment providers face,” said Tom Powers, VGM and Associates’ director of government relations. “He understands how Medicare’s competitive bidding program hindered suppliers from providing necessary equipment seniors and people with disabilities. Mr. Ryan agreed that the bidding program is a real problem and wants to be helpful where he can so DME suppliers can continue to serve those who need these services.”
Other issues discussed focused on how the cuts and subsequent lack of access to needed medical equipment affects hospital discharge, employment, services and inventory reductions.